President Donald Trump delivered a fiery rebuke from the Oval Office this week, targeting Democratic Representatives Jasmine Crockett of Texas and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota for their controversial remarks following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
In a tense exchange with reporters, Trump accused both lawmakers of showing “deep hostility” toward conservatives and, in Omar’s case, toward the United States itself. His remarks quickly went viral, reigniting long-standing political divisions and sparking heated reactions across social media.
Trump began by condemning Crockett’s decision to vote against a House resolution that both condemned political violence and honored Kirk’s legacy. The resolution had broad bipartisan support but was opposed by a handful of progressive Democrats, including Crockett.
“She’s a very low-IQ person,” Trump said bluntly, referring to Crockett. “If we ever had to take an aptitude test to serve in Congress, she’s the first one who should have to take it — because she shouldn’t even be there.”
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The former president’s sharp criticism came after Crockett defended her vote by claiming that Kirk had “spread hate and ignorance” and “targeted minority communities.” During a television interview earlier in the week, Crockett compared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to “slave patrols” and described Kirk’s commentary as “dangerous and divisive.”
Her comments drew swift condemnation from conservative leaders and law enforcement groups, who accused her of disrespecting federal officers and exploiting Kirk’s death to promote a political agenda.
Trump, echoing that sentiment, dismissed Crockett’s words as “disgraceful” and said she had “crossed the line.”
“She compared ICE to slave patrols,” Trump said. “That’s beyond offensive — it’s ignorant. These are people who risk their lives to keep our borders safe, and she smears them for cheap applause. It’s shameful.”
The Oval Office remarks quickly shifted toward Ilhan Omar, another frequent target of Trump’s criticism. The Minnesota congresswoman had reposted a video accusing Kirk of “spreading racist dog whistles” and said she was “mortified” by the violence but would not “sanitize” his legacy.
Republicans accused Omar of showing selective empathy, noting that her statement focused more on condemning Kirk’s political beliefs than on expressing condolences for his death. Some GOP lawmakers called for her censure and even questioned whether her citizenship should be reviewed — echoing a controversy that has followed her for years.
Trump seized on that point, reiterating his long-held claim that Omar “has no loyalty to America.”
“I’ve said it before — maybe Somalia’s president would like to take her back,” Trump quipped. “But when I suggested that, he said, ‘I don’t want her.’ That tells you everything you need to know.”
The comment drew laughter from some in the room but also renewed criticism that Trump was using xenophobic language against a sitting member of Congress. Omar, who fled Somalia as a child and became a U.S. citizen in 2000, has repeatedly denounced Trump’s statements as racist and dangerous.
She responded later on social media, writing, “I am an American citizen who loves this country deeply. What I will not do is remain silent when extremists try to rewrite our values or weaponize tragedy for political gain.”
Crockett, too, fired back. In a post on X, she accused Trump of “trying to exploit Charlie Kirk’s death for headlines.” She added, “If he cared about unity, he wouldn’t insult Black women or mock the idea of justice. His entire career has been built on division.”
But Trump appeared unfazed by the backlash. He expanded his critique to the Democratic Party as a whole, arguing that its leadership has become “radicalized” and “completely detached from reality.”
“The Democrats have gone totally insane,” he told reporters. “They’ve become the party of open borders, lawlessness, and hate for America. It’s unbelievable what they’re doing.”
The president predicted that the political direction of major cities — particularly New York — would soon backfire. “They’ll elect a communist mayor before long,” Trump said. “It’s sad to see, but maybe that’s what it takes for people to wake up and vote Republican again.”
Observers say Trump’s latest comments reflect a broader strategy: reinforcing his image as the Republican Party’s most outspoken defender against what he portrays as a radical and anti-American left.
Political analysts note that while Trump’s words are often incendiary, they tend to energize his base — particularly when aimed at progressive Democrats such as Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and now Crockett.
“Trump understands that conflict with the Squad drives engagement,” said political strategist Kevin Sheridan. “Every time he names one of them, it becomes a cultural moment. His supporters see him as standing up to the far-left establishment.”
The renewed feud unfolded just days after the nation was shaken by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event in Utah earlier this month. Authorities have described the incident as politically motivated, though investigations remain ongoing.
Kirk’s death has intensified the political atmosphere, with conservatives pointing to it as evidence of escalating hostility toward right-wing figures. Democrats, meanwhile, have warned against using the tragedy to inflame divisions or attack political opponents.
Still, Trump’s reaction has ensured that the issue remains at the forefront of public attention.
“Charlie was a friend,” Trump said solemnly. “He loved America. He believed in free speech, in strong borders, in traditional values — and he was killed because some people can’t stand hearing the truth.”
Turning Point USA has announced plans to hold a national memorial event for Kirk later this month, with Trump expected to speak. The group said it would “honor Charlie’s courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to liberty.”
Meanwhile, the White House and congressional Democrats have remained largely silent on the president’s remarks, though several liberal commentators accused him of trying to exploit tragedy for political gain.
Progressive activist Nina Turner posted, “Trump is not honoring Charlie Kirk’s life. He’s weaponizing it. He’s using grief as fuel for hate.”
Yet among conservatives, the reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many saw Trump’s comments as an unapologetic defense of conservative values and a much-needed pushback against what they see as Democratic hypocrisy.
“Democrats can attack conservatives day and night,” conservative host Dana Loesch said on her radio show. “But when Trump pushes back, they clutch their pearls. The double standard is glaring.”
As the political fallout continues, both Crockett and Omar face growing criticism from Republican leaders. Some lawmakers are calling for a formal censure vote in the House, arguing that their remarks violated congressional decorum and showed “disrespect for the dead.”
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise said, “It’s one thing to have policy disagreements. It’s another to refuse to honor a murdered American because you didn’t like his politics. That’s indecent.”
The controversy surrounding Kirk’s death, combined with Trump’s fiery response, has further deepened partisan divides. For Trump’s supporters, the incident reinforces their belief that conservatives are under attack. For his critics, it represents another example of Trump using inflammatory rhetoric for political advantage.
Either way, the episode underscores how personal and bitter America’s political discourse has become. As one commentator put it, “Even death doesn’t bring unity anymore — it just becomes another front in the culture war.”
Whether the tension leads to any legislative fallout — such as renewed efforts to censure Omar or launch inquiries into Crockett’s statements — remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the political storm surrounding Trump’s latest remarks is far from over.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
